Originally Posted by
Brutus the Pimp
Scrap, I don't disagree with your points about Ohio State, but I actually think Kentucky, position for position, is the toughest match-up Ohio State has faced thus far this season.
On the wing, Lamb, Miller and Liggins share so much in common with Buford, Diebler and Lighty. They are similar height, similar build, similar length, shooting ability, skillset and range. I think it's going to be impressive to see those six interact against one another because of the similarities and versatility.
Where I think Ohio State does take the advantage is at PG and (obviously) inside.
Brandon Knight is clearly more talented than Aaron Craft. He's a little bigger, longer and more athletic. But where Knight is streaky and is prone to poor decisions, the cerebral nature of Craft might be the difference in the two. That said, if Knight is having a good day, while his work will be cut out for him shaking Craft, it's yet another match-up that Kentucky can stack up.
Where I don't see Kentucky staying afloat is inside. I think Harrellson is terribly underrated offensively as a post player nationally, but defense is not his forte and I think Sullinger is going to give him problems. Kentucky will need to rotate Harrellson and Vargas all game to distribute fouls, and they're going to have to get help coming from somewhere to stop him inside. The question is where? I've seen it come from weak baseline, I've seen it come from Craft out top, I've seen diagonal help... but Ohio State just seems to find the hot shooter and it usually doesn't matter where you help off.
In this case though, if Kentucky can keep everything in front, they have the length to challenge shots. Ohio State will have a very difficult time with Terrence Jones when Dallas Lauderdale is on the floor, because frankly he does not like to guard the perimeter. But when Lauderdale is subbed out and OSU goes small, Ohio State becomes extremely difficult.
There's no doubt Kentucky will need to bring its best game and hope Ohio State doesn't bring its own best.
But position by position, I'm fascinated by this match-up because I think Kentucky has the individuals to go at Ohio State. The sum of the parts, though, is where Ohio State makes life miserable on other teams.